The Variety Boys and Girls Club of Queens hosted its first ever international film festival over the weekend.

The two-day event featured a screening and awards ceremony to celebrate the work of the students in the club's film and media arts program as they presented their short films alongside professional filmmakers.

The students, who learned various film techniques such as screenwriting, camera operation, and lighting, worked together and produced eight films under the guidance of Marc Lyons, the club's film and media arts specialist.

"I wanted the kids to have that professional experience, that festival experience," he said. "The opportunity for them to be able to explain themselves in a different way and show themselves in a new light."